Suspended county attorney won't seek re-election

Wednesday

Feb 26, 2014 at 2:00 AM

HAMPTON — Suspended Rockingham County Attorney Jim Reams declared Tuesday he won't seek re-election this year due to the ongoing investigation into his office, although he vowed he will continue to work to "clear" his name and regain his "law enforcement authority."

Kyle Stucker

HAMPTON — Suspended Rockingham County Attorney Jim Reams declared Tuesday he won't seek re-election this year due to the ongoing investigation into his office, although he vowed he will continue to work to "clear" his name and regain his "law enforcement authority."

Reams, a Republican from Hampton who was first elected in 1998, was suspended in November pending a criminal investigation by the New Hampshire attorney general's office.

In Reams' statement, he thanked Rockingham County citizens for their "confidence" and support in past elections. It is Reams' "intention" to finish his current term while he continues to fight any legal action against him — of which Reams said he is "confident" he "will ultimately be exonerated."

"Countless supporters have encouraged me to run for re-election, and I am humbled and honored by their support," Reams said. "However, I do not want my current legal proceedings to overshadow the need for a healthy debate on the future leadership of the Rockingham County attorney's office, which would be unavoidable if I ran for re-election. It has been my honor to serve the citizens of Rockingham County these past 15 years, and I look forward to returning to my office soon."

Prosecutors have not released details of the investigation into Reams, saying only that it involves alleged discriminatory acts and issues surrounding a federally funded program. Deputy County Attorney Tom Reid and county victim-witness advocate Tara Longo both resigned while under suspension during the same state and federal probe of Reams' office.

Reams has filed lawsuits against the state AG's office and the Rockingham County Commission in an attempt to regain access to his office. A final hearing related to those suits is scheduled for 9 a.m. March 10 in Merrimack County Superior Court.

When reached by phone Tuesday afternoon, Janis Reams, Jim Reams' wife, said her husband "won't be making any additional comments" or taking requests for interviews. "The press release speaks for itself," she said.

Interim County Attorney Jim Boffetti, who isn't involved in the investigation into Reams, declined to comment Tuesday about Reams' decision or the investigation. Boffetti said it would be "inappropriate" and that his focus instead is on running the office and proceeding with a number of key cases.

"I just want to keep focused on running this office the best I can with the really good people who work here," Boffetti said. "That's what the county needs. We need to keep this office running smoothly."

Boffetti said he has "no interest" in Reams' job "at all," and said he won't run for the position this fall.

"I've never in any moment ever considered running for county attorney," said Boffetti, adding that he is "eager" to get back to his job as the chief of the New Hampshire Consumer Affairs Protection Bureau and as an assistant attorney general.

Representatives from the state AG's office couldn't immediately be reached for comment Tuesday.

Salem Police Department prosecutor Jason Grosky, who has announced he will run for Reams' post in the upcoming election, told the Portsmouth Herald on Tuesday that Reams should resign.

"While I wish County Attorney Reams well, I encourage him to take the next necessary step and resign," said Grosky, a Republican from Atkinson. "His legal issues and controversy continue to cast a dark shadow over the fair administration of justice and law enforcement in Rockingham County.

"To his credit, County Attorney Reams has hired many smart and talented lawyers who have continued to fight the fight these last few months while working under untenable conditions."

Joe Plaia, a North Hampton resident and criminal defense attorney who was defeated by Reams in the last election, and attorney Michael DiCroce, who has also previously challenged for the office, are considering runs.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.

Advertise

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
seacoastonline.com ~ 111 New Hampshire Ave., Portsmouth, NH 03801 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service